Re: SBS VPN setup?

The 2-nic configuration is used when the SBS server will *also* act as your network's firewall. You purchase 2k3 PREMIUM and that comes with ISA to handle the firewall duties. One Nic is plugged straight into the internet modem (Cable, DSL, etc) and the other into a switch/hub to share the connection with other computers.

My problem is (and this is PERSONAL PREFERENCE HERE, others will disagree I'm sure) that if an exploit is found with ISA...say, for example a buffer overrun that allows code execution...they will be executing code ON YOUR DOMAIN CONTROLLER. Yes, in my opinion, that is very bad.

I prefer SBS 2k3 without ISA. Standard if you don't need SQL for a line-of-business app, premium if you do need SQL, but not use ISA either way. SBS plugs into a switch with the other computers and the switch is plugged into a firewall appliance with 2-nics. The firewall appliance could be anything, sonicwall, watchguard, or an MS ISA appliance would do. And the cable modem/DSL/whatever plugs into the other NIC of the firewall. That way all traffic passes through it.

To compare apples to apples, let us assume there is a network setup as I outlined above...and the firewall appliance is an ISA server, such as those available from Celestix. Now...the same exploit would still exist in ISA, so the hacker attacks ISA and is now running code on your firewall. But...the difference is....they've gained access ONLY to your firewall. Yes, it is still very bad, but also still much better than the hacker having the ability to nuke your Active Directory structure, or your exchange server, or the other components of SBS. The worst they will likely do is kill your internet access until you can get your firewall rebuilt and (hopefully) patched.

One could argue that once they have the firewall, they could attack the SBS server, but since SBS wouldn't have ISA, they'd have to find *another* exploit to attack it. So you've inherently added a layer of protection. The attacker would be *REQUIRED* to find two unrelated exploits to get past an ISA firewall and SBS. If ISA is *on* the SBS box (as it would be in a 2-nic configuration) then this is not the case. One exploit, at the perimeter, exposes your entire network.

It should be noted that SBS 2008 will *NOT* support 2-nics and will not come with ISA. So MS obviously feels that separating perimeter security from the domain controller is important enough to change the features of one of their major products (sbs.)

So, yes, I recommend 1 instead of 2. If the mobo comes with two, maybe they can be bonded to appear as one (more bandwidth) or one can be disabled...that isn't a big deal. I just don't recommend setting up SBS in the "2-nic configuration" that implies ISA and SBS running as a firewall. Running 1 NIC also means you *need* to consider what you'll use as a security defense at the edge, the internet connecting point. Most ISP's modems (cable or DSL) will operate with the third-party hardware out there, so you don't have to stress too much, but you should be considering a business class firewall at your edge.

-Cliff


"tlc_13200@xxxxxxxxxxx" <tlc13200hotmailcom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:CFF931E3-B8EF-4E83-BFAB-308E29154617@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cliff-

Are you advising me to only use a single NIC adapter and router/firewall
instead of the usual 2 NIC's. Which the mobo might have... being that'll be a
Xeon mobo?

I've read using two is smarter, and you are now telling me that one is okay.
Now, being a bit confused here on the subject, I had installed SBS 2k3 R2 for
a client this past spring, using and installing 2 NIC's but finding that only
is really being used at the 1Gbit speeds anyways. I know that security is an
issue, and being that you have more input and a experience in the matter,
will the 1 NIC do the job, and disable the second if it's on the mobo? I want
it as secured as possible, and trouble free.

I've also notice, that a router/hub seems to work hand in hand depending on
the ISP's modem, etc. So, just to clarifiy. 1 instead of 2??!?!

"Cliff Galiher" wrote:

As I said, the consultant thing is just one of m pet peeves. And I tried to
be careful and make sure you knew I wasn't targeting you specifically...but
wanted you to understand why I give the answers I do. I'll post links to
books before I take time to write a 30 step VPN deployment guide in here.
It just isn't necessary when someone else has already done it in more detail
than I ever could. So...really...don't take it personally.

With that said, one minor thing I noticed in your latest post:

Please please PLEASE reconsider your server's 2-nic specs. This is really a
configuration that is going out of favor (SBS 2k8 won't even support it) and
using a domain controller as a gateway device is...in our modern security
environment, unwise. It was probalby unwise even when 2k3 shipped...but
Microsoft wasn't as security focused back then...but things are far more
hostile on the net five years later. A good single nic server behind a
good firewall appliance is, IMHO, highly recommended. You'll be happier in
the long run and it is more upgradeable as well.

-Cliff

"tlc_13200@xxxxxxxxxxx" <tlc13200hotmailcom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote
in message news:476DF91D-2D44-4E2F-89AC-DC5C5095ADEE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Wow guys, thanks!
>
> I got a bit frenzy when I first started this question last night when > the
> search results popped up the troublesome issues of running RWW/VPN's on
> SBS
> 2k3 with no bright light at the end of a tunnel. Everything I read > during
> my
> search points to trouble issues... only one link gave me some hope but > not
> the right solution.
>
> And no, I am not asking for a FREE ride here, just to understand what I > am
> getting myself into with all of this. I didn't want to sound cocky > about
> asking for FREE help and charging the customer for the efforts... my
> reasoning here was to find the proper research to determine a solution > for
> him. Either paying someone else to help me do this, or buying the
> materials
> as you said "Cliff" to do learn it myself.
>
> To be honest, after serious consideration, being that I haven't bill > out
> the
> server yet, nor have I started the configuration for my client, (only > now
> getting his cabling done- setting up a rack for the server, etc) I am
> doing
> my research now to determine which method and stage to take my client > to
> the
> next level.
>
> After serious consideration, as I said before... I will build out the
> server, quote the customer the third-party solution at the moment until > I
> learn and test the RWW solution before deploying it. Surely he will not
> have
> an issue at first with using GoToMPC for now, being that he and one
> additional person will be only ones doing it for at least six months to > a
> year.
>
> By then, I will have installed SBS 2k3 r2 onto a new testing server in > my
> office, and run the test of setting up a RWW with either help or > research
> materials.
>
> Joe's lengthy statement will have to be re-read again for me, there's
> paragraphs and more paragaphs with explanation and analying the > solution.
> I
> thank you, Joe.
>
> But for now, I will do the Citrix solution and learn the efforts with > the
> links you gave me above Cliff, and Steve. I just want my customer to > work
> as
> he needs too without too much down time. To configure and install RWW > is
> new
> to me, and I want to do a good job by testing it out, reading and > making
> sure
> I don't make any mistakes. Not that I've had any serious issues in the
> past,
> but it is a fear that I'd seen according to what people have posted. I
> will
> be building a server with 2 NIC cards- anyways, and a new router. I've
> read
> people stating CISCO routers, maybe a solution... either way... I will > be
> testing everything first, reading up and discovering if I'm doing it
> right.
> Being that my customer himself (President) and his Vice President will > be
> the
> only one's for at least six months doing the VPN in thing, figure > GoToMyPC
> is
> best until I learn and iron out the procedures of installing and > setting
> up
> things. I want him to be working smoothly for a while with that, and > then
> switch over to his RWW onto the server.
>
> I guess that I was asking for it, wasn't I? But, I don't want you > "Cliff"
> to
> think I was taking advantage of you, or the likes of people who do. > Like
> you
> said here:
>
> "This is a valid concern for any consultant, which is why I presented > my
> answers in the fashion I did. The problem always is, if you screw up, > it
> isn't your network, it is somebody elses. It actually bothers me (and I
> don't mean any offense to you, but it is how I feel) when a
> consultant...who
> is obviously getting paid....wants to dive into a new project and get > free
> help. Don't get me wrong, EVERYBODY gets stuck, and and asking for help > is
> not a bad thing. But when you AREN'T stuck then it is time to buy > proper
> research materials."
>
> Not my intention here!!! NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS!
>
> I asked questions about finding if a solution exists. And doing my
> research
> online got me frustrated that there is some discouragement out there in
> the
> threads and white papers on the net. I just want to find a solution > that
> would suit my customer and pay whomever, that can advise to set it up > if
> it
> becomes above my head or isn't clear to what I am doing wrong. > Hopefully,
> the
> wizards on the RWW and CEICW...
>
> Therefore, I will copy these threads which were written here, and save
> them
> to review again for later. So, hopefully no one here see's that I'm > trying
> to
> take advantage of anyone, but simply to discover a solution and how to > go
> about it. Until I test and deploy it on a server for myself... in the
> meanwhile... my client with use the third-party solution... unless he
> likes
> it over the RWW?
>
> Thanks!
>
> "Cliff Galiher" wrote:
>
>> Inline:
>>
>> -Cliff
>>
>> "tlc_13200@xxxxxxxxxxx" <tlc13200hotmailcom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>> wrote
>> in message news:DACDFD9F-264B-4DDF-B348-88874ED641C9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> > Hi Steve B-
>> >
>> > I was just thinking about using a software like: "GoToMyPC" by >> > Citrix,
>> > and
>> > the suggestion you made sounds interesting too... I will surely have >> > to
>> > check
>> > it out.
>> >
>> > Even though the suggestion from Apirl and Cliff are quite helpful to >> > an
>> > extent... my concern is the learning curve of setting up a VPN/RWW >> > and
>> > not
>> > knowing how it will turn out.
>> This is a valid concern for any consultant, which is why I presented >> my
>> answers in the fashion I did. The problem always is, if you screw up, >> it
>> isn't your network, it is somebody elses. It actually bothers me (and >> I
>> don't mean any offense to you, but it is how I feel) when a
>> consultant...who
>> is obviously getting paid....wants to dive into a new project and get
>> free
>> help. Don't get me wrong, EVERYBODY gets stuck, and and asking for >> help
>> is
>> not a bad thing. But when you AREN'T stuck then it is time to buy >> proper
>> research materials. Maybe it is a book, or maybe it is an education
>> class,
>> or maybe it is partnering with another expert in your area and sharing
>> the
>> work (and the profits) to ensure client satisfaction. But the idea of
>> charging a client while asking for free walkthroughs is concerning to >> me.
>> Maybe that's not what you are doing...I am generalizing here...but I
>> wanted
>> to be clear why I answer the way I do.
>>
>> > Being that I'd read so many issues and threads
>> > on the internet with clients having issues of setting one up. Either >> > a
>> > port
>> > not forwarding, or another issue as server not beening seen on the
>> > connections.
>> Yep, and that is usually because users dive in. I can't stress how
>> important a test setup is. I first got SBS 2k3 in the action pack in
>> 2004
>> (four years ago) so...I know you say you haven't renewed yet, but >> unless
>> you
>> let it expire a LONG time ago, you should still have SBS 2k3 floating
>> around.
>>
>> > My concern is down time and problems. Although I'd spoken to the
>> > representative at Citrix about their product, it seems more >> > appealing
>> > for
>> > me
>> > to have my client go this route for now, and maybe another solution
>> > later,
>> > or
>> > simply figuring out the RWW as trial and error without affecting him >> > to
>> > continue to work! (hopefully I can set up a RWW/VPN on the server >> > and
>> > not
>> > affect him to still use "GoToMyPC" while doing it)?
>> That is a choice you have to make. GoToMyPC is another component >> that
>> must
>> be properly set up, secured, and administered. I personally see no
>> benefit
>> and a few drawbacks. But you would get support from Citrix, so maybe >> it
>> becomes a wash for you.
>>
>> > So, I have two more questions.
>> > Do you really think it is easier to set up a RWW in SBS 2003 R2 >> > (2008)
>> > Standard as you claim?
>> I would contend it is as easy to setup RWW initially, but maybe not
>> 'easier.' There are things to consider at your perimeter and >> decisions
>> to
>> be made about how tightly you want to lock down RWW. But it *is* >> easier
>> to
>> administer after the fact. Adding new machines, etc...because it is >> all
>> integrated with the SBS wizards.
>>
>> > And usig RWW/VPN that is included on SBS, can more than one user >> > access
>> > the
>> > server at the same time, or not?
>> RWW does not connect to the server. It just uses the server to >> connect
>> to a
>> PC (or multiple PC's) so you could achieve the same net effect. >> Multiple
>> users can use RWW at the same time, yes. Native VPN is just another
>> network
>> connection, so yes again, multiple connections are allowed...but I
>> wouldn't
>> recommend letting users log onto the server. Shared file access, >> sure.
>> But
>> if you need users to log onto a machine, whether VPN, RWW, or >> GoToMyPC,
>> that
>> machine should *NOT* be the SBS server. EVER!!! In that scenario, >> you
>> should be planning a separate TS server deployment or another method >> to
>> get
>> employees access to local applications.
>>
>> >
>> > I appreicate your effects in answering my question regarding this.
>> In your other post, you also asked for a book recommendation (I didn't
>> want
>> to reply twice...just seems messy and further splinters the thread.) >> So,
>> here you go.
>>
>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0735622809/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
>>
>> Written by Charlie Russel (a regular here as well) and in the advanced
>> chapter is a section on setting up L2TP/IPSec VPNs. It gets you the >> idea
>> of
>> where you'll be going, but since it is primarily an SBS book, not a >> VPN
>> book, it may not give you the level of detail you want if you run into
>> trouble. For that, I recommend:
>>
>> http://www.amazon.com/Deploying-Networks-Microsoft-Technical-Reference/dp/0735615764/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219096415&sr=1-1
>>
>> Between the two. one to help you see how a VPN fits into your SBS >> design,
>> and the other to dig into the inner workings of VPN's in a Microsoft
>> environment, you should have all of the resources at your disposal to
>> make
>> an insightful and accurate decision for your client.
>>
>>
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>> >
>> > Dave-
>> >
>> > "SteveB" wrote:
>> >
>> >> As especially April has indicated you should really look at the
>> >> wonderful
>> >> functionality built in to SBS 2003 (& SBS 2008) which is RWW. It is
>> >> really
>> >> quite easy to setup and most of the time there is no need for VPN >> >> at
>> >> all.
>> >> RWW is also quite secure and if you need additional security on top >> >> of
>> >> the
>> >> normal there is a product (AuthAnvil) from Dana Epp, a MS security
>> >> MVP.
>> >>
>> >> "tlc_13200@xxxxxxxxxxx" >> >> <tlc13200hotmailcom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>> >> wrote
>> >> in message >> >> news:43F3E927-1507-41D1-8F80-BECC83046AE3@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> >> > Also a question Cliff/April (Anyone) -
>> >> >
>> >> > The article which I found discovered claims that it will help >> >> > setup
>> >> > a
>> >> > server
>> >> > as a router, is this truly necessary if behind a router already? >> >> > I
>> >> > know
>> >> > it
>> >> > might sound like a stupid question, but being I have never done >> >> > this
>> >> > before,
>> >> > I intend to see by building a small server test to determine if >> >> > this
>> >> > works
>> >> > efficiently or not? LIke to know if this is a good security >> >> > measure
>> >> > to
>> >> > work
>> >> > with?
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks,
>> >> >
>> >> > Dave -

.